In PR battles, the oldest trick in the book is to answer the question you weren't asked. It is a device employed when backed into a corner.

Having earned the wrath of flood victims all around the country for suggesting that they might move to higher ground, Taosieach Enda Kenny was anxious to regain some surer footing in the crisis.

Thus, he is reported to have told last Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that ministers should tell Europe how they plan to address the floods crisis, rather than ask permission to breach strict environmental standards. The European Commission responded indignantly, saying that it was not getting in the way of Government action or, in this case, inaction.

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